REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, KOTABARU -- Minister of Maritime and Fishery Affairs Susi Pudjiastuti demanded Indonesian fishermen to be self sufficient in terms of fish food and fish farming tools. Most local fishermen use imported goods instead of using domestic products.
"It is time for use to be self sufficient. We have the raw materials," Pudjiastuti said on Sunday, December 14, in a dialogue with local fishermen in Kotabaru.
Local fishermen have to spend much money to buy imported products. They are under pressure, especially with depreciation of IDR. "How can they live if our currency declines to 15,000 IDR per USD? They live with a big burden to feed their family," she said.
The minister urged the local fishermen to learn how to make fish food and other goods related to their job. "You can utilize seaweed and shell to make natural fish food," the minister told the fishermen.